About Us
Introduction to RAC
RAC are the driving people…why?
- We've been around since 1897
- We have over 7 million members
- We're one of the UK's most progressive motoring organisations
- We assist both private and business motorists
- We boast the world's most advanced computer systems to deal with roadside assistance calls
RAC timeline:
- 1897: RAC founded
- 1901: Introduced uniformed patrols
- 1907: Given royal approval by Edward VII
- 1912: Introduced roadside emergency telephone boxes
- 1987: Advanced Computer Aided Rescue System introduced
- 1998: RAC de-mutualisation
- 1999: Acquired by Lex Group
- 2002: Lex Group changes name to RAC plc
- 2005: Acquired by Aviva for £1.2 billion
Our history
Developing motoring services
Ever since its foundation in 1897, RAC has been consistently at the forefront in developing motoring services - from introducing uniformed patrols in 1901 and roadside emergency telephone boxes in 1912 right through to the present day when we boast the world's most advanced computer systems to deal with calls for roadside assistance.
RAC Members enjoy access to an enormous range of motoring products and services throughout their driving lives, ranging from the familiar and much appreciated roadside assistance in the event of a breakdown to continually updated legal and technical advice and up-to-the-minute travel information.
In March 2005, Aviva plc acquired RAC for around £1.1 billion. The acquisition brings together RAC's powerful brand and customer base with the expertise and leading position in motor insurance of Aviva Insurance (part of Aviva). Aviva is the UK's largest insurer. It is a leading provider of life, pensions and investment products and one of the largest Financial Adviser providers. Aviva plc is the UK's largest general insurer with a market share of around 14%, with a focus on insurance for individuals and small businesses.
RAC report on motoring
During the 21 years since the first RAC Report on Motoring was published in 1988, it has become widely regarded as the voice of Britain's motorists.
With 1,100 drivers contributing their views on the state of the motoring nation, the annual RAC Report on Motoring reveals that, in 2009, issues such as greener driving have taken a back seat. The report also highlights worries about the economic downturn and new figures regarding younger drivers.
find out more about RAC Report on Motoring
RAC in the media
No-one knows more about motoring than RAC
No-one knows more about motoring than RAC. Throughout our history, and right up to the present day we've both championed the rights of drivers, and done everything we can to make lives easy for them.
find out more about RAC in the Media
Other organisations
The RAC Foundation
www.racfoundation.orgThe RAC Foundation is an independent body, established in 1999 to carry out research into motoring issues and to take on the role of protecting the interests of the motorist. The Foundation carries out regular opinion surveys of RAC Members and has, in the course of its campaigning work, taken up many of the issues which they have raised.
The Royal Automobile Club
www.royalautomobileclub.co.ukSince RAC Motoring Services was bought by Lex Service PLC (now RAC plc), we no longer have any formal connection with our previous owners, the members of the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall, London. Should you wish to contact them, their address is 89-91 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5HS.
Department for Transport
The Department for Transport's objective is to oversee the delivery of a reliable, safe and secure transport system that responds efficiently to the needs of individuals and business whilst safeguarding our environment.
SURVIVE Group
The SURVIVE Group is a partnership between the Highways Agency, the Association of Chief Police Officers, the breakdown/recovery industry and other road service providers. The SURVIVE Group has been established to improve the safety of those who work on the road network and the travelling public and is also dedicated to the promotion of driving safety.
Awards
Here at RAC we love driving - and our passion really shows. We believe our patrols are the best on the road and really go the extra mile for our members.
find out more about RAC awards
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Check out our motoring advice and driving tips plus members' personal stories and more.
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